FRANCHISE LAW

Assessing a franchise opportunity is complicated.  We can help.

 

Whether you’re buying your first unit or your hundredth, we’re here to help.  Investments in franchises are substantial, and it pays to have expert advisors on your side.

Franchise Disclosure Document Review

Before investing in a franchise opportunity, it makes sense to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with the help of experienced counsel.  As a prospective franchisee, the FDD is your guide to the business, with information about:

  • Investment requirements, including the franchise fee
  • Property requirements (space, equipment, etc.)
  • Operations
  • Training
  • Marketing support
  • Franchisor royalties
  • Accounting obligations
  • Territories

A compliant FDD should contain most of what you need to know to evaluate a given franchise opportunity.  We can help guide you through the FDD to help you decide if it’s an opportunity you can’t pass up or one should pass on.

Franchise Agreement Review and Negotiation

Franchise agreements are complex documents – we can translate the legalese into what matters to you.  The franchise agreement sets the ground rules of your relationship with the franchisor.  We can identify key terms and advise you on how they will impact your business, as well as negotiate on your behalf with the franchisor.

Franchise Sales

Selling a franchise is different than selling an independent business.  Typically, the franchisor will have certain rights in the sales process, including the right to veto a sale, and the franchisor will have significant input on – or actually propose – the sales agreement.  Similarly, the franchisee will have certain obligations.  We can help you navigate the process.

Business Entities

If you are buying a franchise, you likely need a business entity, such as a corporation or limited liability company, to own it.  We assist with business entity formation, structuring considerations (along with your tax advisor), and ownership agreements for multi-owner entities.

Other Franchise-Related Issues

We also assist with many of the other issues related to owning a franchise:

  • Lease agreements
  • Financing negotiation and agreements
  • Franchisor disputes
  • Franchise associations and collective bargaining
  • Franchise terminations
  • Repurchase negotiations
  • Territory encroachment

If you’re ready to take the first step in evaluating a franchise opportunity or need help with a franchise law issue, contact Weavil Law today!